Digital Wars starts in 1998, when the Internet and computing business was about to be upended - by an antitrust case, a tiny start-up and a former giant rebuilding it. Charles Arthur here examines the differing strategies of the three best-known tech companies in their battle to win control of the exploding network connecting the world. Microsoft was a giant - soon to become the highest-valued company in the world - while Apple was a minnow and Google just a start-up. By February 2012, Apple was worth more than both Microsoft and Google combined.

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Publisher's Summary

Digital Wars starts in 1998, when the Internet and computing business was about to be upended - by an antitrust case, a tiny start-up and a former giant rebuilding it. Charles Arthur here examines the differing strategies of the three best-known tech companies in their battle to win control of the exploding network connecting the world. Microsoft was a giant - soon to become the highest-valued company in the world - while Apple was a minnow and Google just a start-up. By February 2012, Apple was worth more than both Microsoft and Google combined. Through the voices of former and current staff, Arthur looks at the tumultuous battle between the three companies and what their various successes meant for us.

It's relevant to what is going on in the battle for the internet. It's interesting to me as someone that works in tech and really joins a lot of the dots as to how we got where we are. It recounts so many junctions in tech history and how things could be different.

If like me you lived through the rise of the Internet and computer giants then you will find this fascinating,

What other book might you compare Digital Wars to, and why?

I've not heard a book like this before. It takes what could be a dry subject and makes it fascinating,

What about Stephen Rashbrook’s performance did you like?

The narrator managed to make the book interesting.

Any additional comments?

The rise of Google and Apple and their challenge to Microsoft is described by decade and product. Dell makes an occasional visit as does Blackberry and Intel. The ride of Google from college project to present day is fascinating. Apple challenging MicroSoft and the patters failure to change and innovate quickly is very interesting.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

James

Woking, United Kingdom

7/4/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Decent summary of interesting times"

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This book brings together a lot of history and separates out the issues for easy understanding. Those interested in this area should find it a good listen, it's a time-saver to get a good overview of early Internet history without reading lots of other books.

Would you be willing to try another book from Charles Arthur? Why or why not?

I was already impressed by Charles Arthur from his interviews in The Guardian's Tech Weekly podcast, but it felt like any technology student could have done the research to put this book together. There is little of the insight and awareness that comes across in his work on the podcast.

Have you listened to any of Stephen Rashbrook’s other performances? How does this one compare?

He's a bit serious and dramatic sounding but didn't get in the way of the book.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Yes, but it would be a bit dull, the characters do not come to life in the book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sameer

Anerly, United Kingdom

12/29/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Uninspiring and boring"

Would you ever listen to anything by Charles Arthur again?

NO

Would you be willing to try another one of Stephen Rashbrook’s performances?

Maybe

Any additional comments?

Really poor work. There are no insights or smart commentary. All the author brings to the table is strong Microsoft prejudice, which shows throughout he pulls quotes and anecdotes out of context. Sequence of events are out of order, I'm half way through second part and he has hardly mentioned iPhone or Android.

This has been utterly disappointing and really boring work.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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